What these family movies provide is comfort food for the soul, an important side dish that nourishes the holiday spirit and that has absolutely nothing to do with Black Friday or buying the hottest gift, and everything about being truly present for the loved ones around us.

The inspirational “Black Nativity” taps into that winning formula, and while it isn't completely heavensent, it has many uplifting moments, even if they're a little sappy. Plus it boasts one fantastic soundtrack. The biggest ace up its sleeve is not its writer and director — Kasi Lemmons — who doesn't have a strong handle on a few of the musical numbers, but an Oscar-winning vocalist who belts those incredible high notes way up into the church rafters.

In fact, whenever Jennifer Hudson sings, Lemmons' reinterpretation of the Langston Hughes holiday favorite lights up like a Christmas tree. Others in the cast, including Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Tyrese Gibson and Mary J. Blige, are all noteworthy but it's Hudson who moves mountains and spirits with her passionate voice.

Advertisement

She plays the supporting character of Naima, a single Brooklyn mom who can't pay the rent and is getting evicted. The film focuses mostly on her teen son Langston (newcomer Jacob Latimore, making a fine debut) who Naema sends to stay with her parents, the Reverend Cornell (Whitaker) and Aretha Cobbs (Bassett).

At his grandparents home, Langston discovers a treasure trove of collectibles that celebrate black history. He also finds himself being led into various temptations, and later plays a pivotal role in trying to reunite his family.

It's a sweet-natured tale that goes down smoothly, and Lemmons (“Eve's Bayou”) has done an admirable job of putting a contemporary spin on the beloved Hughes seasonal favorite from the '60s. But her direction during key musical numbers doesn't always match the energy of the performances. Hudson's moving first solo song “Test of Faith” — my favorite — is a knockout, a beautiful ache of a ballad by Raphael Saadiq and Taura Stinson. Hudson belts it out, but Lemmons' direction fails to capitalize on that emotion. It's much too reserved.

The soundtrack is anything but that, and fuses together R&B, gospel and hip-hop. It's sensational. Another standout number is “Hush Child (Get You Through This Silent Night”).

While “Black Nativity” isn't as consistent as that soundtrack, its strength as a joy-filled story makes it an easy candidate to become another family holiday tradition.

Lockheed says object part of 'sensor technology' testing that ended ThursdayWhat the heck is that thing? It's fair to assume that question was on the minds of many people who traveled along Colo. 128 south of Boulder this week if they happened to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a large, silver projectile perched alongside the highway and pointed north toward town.

PARIS (AP) — Bye, New York! Ciao, Milan! Bonjour, Paris! The world's largest traveling circus of fashion editors, models, buyers and journalists has descended on the French capital, clutching their metro maps and city guides, to cap the ready-to-wear fashion season. Full Story